You honestly think this team would have done anything special had it made the playoffs? This team needs some things before we make noise in the playoffs and with all the draft choices and some cap space this summer we have a shot to. Also you gotta think of the future as well. Stamkos is the future and after Marty and Vinny are gone they need players to play next to stamkos. The draft is an excellent source to get that for now. SFY is not only building this team for next year but way down the line too. Let's be honest about where we are in building a consistent contender now.

Wow I didnt think Downie would be moved over Purcell. I doubted Purcell would get a first back so I understand. I'm interested to see how this whole plan plays out, there has got to be a bigger picture move here. Also, I guess Stamkos relationship couldn't keep Downie around as long as I thought.

well trade deadline is 6 days and who knows what would happen but we have some picks and people to play around with and figure if we do go on a winning streak in the next 3 games if we will be buyers then. Sad to see downie go tho.

Really disturbing reading some of the comments in this thread. Some of you people need to settle down, for real. So you don't like this deal? Thats fine. What you dont want is all these knee-jerk reactions. If there was one trade that makes or breaks Yzerman's legacy as our GM, this one certainly isn't it.

In no way are these moves just to be making moves, there is a plan. Patience!!

Really disturbing reading some of the comments in this thread. Some of you people need to settle down, for real. So you don't like this deal? Thats fine. What you dont want is all these knee-jerk reactions. If there was one trade that makes or breaks Yzerman's legacy as our GM, this one certainly isn't it.

In no way are these moves just to be making moves, there is a plan. Patience!!

Agreed and the same people shouting now are those who have been shouting about how our goaltending and defense sucks, what do they expect, that we get a nr 1 goalie and upgrade our defense for nothing?

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Todd Harvey, Adam Oates and Darren Puppa, you are all missed in the game of hockey!

If the goal is to obtain a starting goalie and with the players that have been traded and the picks that Yzerman has to use, I expect much better than Schneider.

You'll be hard pressed to find a better goalie that isn't already an established starter. I'm not sure how much of Schneider you guys have seen but this kid is the real deal. It will absolutely suck if the Canucks have to move him but it will completely solve your goaltending issues if the Bolts do end up getting him. There is a reason a lot of Canuck fans want to do anything they can to keep him, including moving Luongo. I don't personally think Luongo is going anywhere but that's how highly regarded Schneider is.

Nobody. Last year was awesome and a total surprise but lets be honest, they weren't setting the world on fire leading to the playoffs, squeaked through against PIT, matched well against Washington, and got timely goals by D and 3-4 liners.

This is the best course of action right now. I'll miss Downie, but when we're in the playoffs for 5 straight years with depth this will all be a distant memory.

Nobody. Last year was awesome and a total surprise but lets be honest, they weren't setting the world on fire leading to the playoffs, squeaked through against PIT, matched well against Washington, and got timely goals by D and 3-4 liners.

This is the best course of action right now. I'll miss Downie, but when we're in the playoffs for 5 straight years with depth this will all be a distant memory.

Agree and that's what yzerman wants. Consistent playoff contenders. Not only that but conssistent SC contenders. Getting all these draft choices will help with that.

Agree and that's what yzerman wants. Consistent playoff contenders. Not only that but conssistent SC contenders. Getting all these draft choices will help with that.

The difference between playoff contenders and cup contenders is essentially depth. Do you have enough scoring, can you roll four lines, do you have four defenders prepared to go 28 a night, and do you have a goaltender that can ride about .915 or better.

In the grand scheme of scoring, we have great numbers - it should balance a bit with more third line scoring, but scoring is good. Our blueline needs help. We need puck movers, we need mobile but defensively solid defenders. We very, very obviously need a goaltender. People are scoffing at picks, sure, but I wonder what they say if all of a sudden a second is flipped for Suters rights and Connolly and a pick are flipped for Schneider and both are signed. Suddenly you feel pretty ****ing good about next season. Snag another defender or two for around 3 million. Grab some lower line depth for cheap.